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If you consider the following and think mainly about what R2-D2 is capable of accomplishing during a yoga class (hot, cold or otherwise) then you will have a pretty clear picture of what I looked like on Saturday.

Moksha Yoga in Bedford had an open house on Saturday April 26, 2014 as a way of celebrating their one year anniversary and offered FREE classes all day long. How amazing is that? I had been driving by their big billboard for a month or so and every time I’d think to myself, ‘I should really see if I can rope NS BFF into going with me to try a class.’ and then ‘SQUIRREL!’. The thought would vanish in a swirling cyclone of all the other more important or pressing things that actually needed doing and I’d be no closer to trying hot yoga. Until I’d drive by the giant billboard the next time and go through pretty much the exact same sequence. (Billboards work, by the way, in case that isn’t apparent, but I digress…)

Then out of the blue on the 24th my NS BFF sent me a link to the Open House schedule and once I opened that e-mail, it was a done deal. I *had* to do it!

Aren’t best friends just the best for the way they read our minds, dare us to be different and encourage us to step *way* outside of our comfort zones? I think so.

It’s a positive kind of peer pressure. I can’t say no and she can’t back out because she started it. Forget the fact that I have been threatening to rope her in – in my mind – for over a month. I’ll just let her think it was her idea and go along with it. *grins*

So it was decided we were definitely going to a class on Saturday, but then the trouble was deciding which class. I’ll spare you the ridiculousness we went through trying to decide. Honestly. It should not have been that complicated. We were tired last week. Let’s just leave it at that. Suffice it to say that at 8:30 (AM!) on Saturday we were headed to a yoga studio to take in our very first yoga class. It was a seventy-five minute class. Oh, and you should know it was also in a very hot room and we were to be “silent”.

*blank stare*

I’ll just wait here while that sinks in.

Yup. Me. Seventy-five minutes. Silent.

There were many, many, many challenges during this, my very first, yoga class, but above all else not talking was the hardest.

No giggling. No joking. No witty banter with my NS BFF. No asking questions! Heck, we could barely make eye contact for fear of bursting out in uncontrollable belly laughter.

Challenge extended.

Challenge accepted.

Mission accomplished.

Achievement unlocked.

I *totally* did it and as per the manifesto I did not die. (Go me!)

In retrospect, a seventy-five minute hot yoga class in a silent room is probably not the best choice for a newbie. On the other hand, it really was something completely new and since remedial yoga is not a thing, one really must embrace the idea that everyone – no matter how amazing now – once had a first time and also felt awkward and confused.

I absolutely loved the energy of the people who are running Moksha Bedford. Our instructor was excellent. I believe that they believe deeply in what they do. You can feel that when you speak with them. I was made to feel comfortable and welcome and that means a lot!

There is a tank shirt hanging in the entryway that reads “Practice Makes Practice”. I think this sums up the philosophy of the kind folks at Moksha… perfectly.

Balance is tricky at the best of times… take away my orthotics and well.. tip me over and pour me out!

All kidding aside, who wouldn’t like to have this kind of power, strength and fitness? Wow!

Holy Ashtanga! Amazing!

So, have you tried anything new lately? Are you a fan of yoga? Do you practice yoga on a regular basis? What advice would you give to someone about to attend their very first class? Do you like your yoga regular or extra crispy?

Winter has gone on far too long this year, but guess what! In a few weeks it will be warmer and sunnier and I will want to feel better than I do right now and ALL the aforementioned things that may or may not have happened (Who’s to say, really?) over the winter will come running back to me and haunt me with all the woulda, coulda, shoulda uselessness of hindsight. Oh, hindsight! Why must you be 20/20? You are such a jerk!

But! (No no… it’s okay… this time. Really. I’m going somewhere here.)

It’s not too late! We have time to make a positive change*. You. Me. All of us! We have to start today, though. Right this minute, even.

I will use the body I have to get the body I want. I don’t need a gym. No one needs a gym. Right? I do have Peady Powers after all.

I know what to eat to fuel me. I know that being happy is a choice. I know that going outside as often as possible is good for my brain. I know that the ONE thing I can do today and everyday that I have been avoiding is moving. Oh sure, I can run and play with my kids and I can walk really, really far, but I want to be able to just move more and better as I get older. I don’t want to feel hindered by my age or attitude. I know age is inevitable. I know my attitude is a positive one. The trouble is, I lack confidence in my body and its ability to grow old gracefully.

For instance, right now I know I have committed to do something and I know it will be good for me and won’t take much time, but I am sore. Good sore, mind you, but sore nonetheless. So I have to talk myself into doing it**. Telling you is helping. (Thanks!) I am going to do it though. Right now. I’ll be back. (pfft As if you’d know! You just have to trust me… )

My friend Sheila is a licenced Zumba instructor and has a sincere interest in all things fitness. She is a great influence and a staunch supporter in my quest for better health. She wasn’t always the fitness enthusiast she is today. She has her own journey and reasons for taking charge of her health. We have been friends for a decade or so and we have been witness to lots of life’s ups and downs – including those of the scale variety. I asked her if I could use a quote of hers for this post and being the awesome person she is, of course, she said yes.

“My wake up moment was when I decided I was too young to feel that way. I was not willing to give in to all the little things. I wanted more out of life and I refused to accept all those little discomforts as just part of aging. Yes it’s part of aging if you don’t take care of your body.

I am hitting reboot on my eating habits and exercising. Don’t worry. I haven’t gone too bonkers. I just need to be healthier and there’s no time like the present, right? I am at a place in my life where I need to feel empowered and strong. I have some pretty amazing support. A best friend who will help me to get out and walk as often as possible, a group or two of like-minded people sharing ideas, successes and advice, and a faraway friend who is on her own mission to keep healthy, even as time keeps reminding us of its constant passing.

I am a firm believer of everything in moderation – including moderation!

Honestly, I am. Sort of. Wait. Do the Ruffles count? Oh, never mind. The point is there’s change in the air and I am ready to not only embrace it, but I am also willing and able to cheer you on, too!

So, maybe, just maybe we can get our buts in gear, get our butts ingear AND get our butts in gear! I say we give it a go! Who’s with me?